At last year’s “First Crossing” at Washington’s Crossing, I got into a conversation with a reporter from Malibu California who was trying to reconcile what he was with the well-known Washington Crossing the Delaware painting by Emanuel Leutze. I am amazed at the number of people who see things like this famous painting and fail to understand …
Author Archives: Michael Carver
Antifederalist No. 83 — The Federal Judiciary and the Issue of Trial by Jury
By Luther Martin of Maryland. . . . . in all those cases, where the general government has jurisdiction in civil questions, the proposed Constitution not only makes no provision for the trial by jury in the first instance, but, by its appellate jurisdiction, absolutely takes away that inestimable privilege, since it expressly declares the …
Continue reading “Antifederalist No. 83 — The Federal Judiciary and the Issue of Trial by Jury”
FEDERALIST No. 83: The Judiciary in Relation to Trial by Jury
We are on the eve of a very important election. Much has been said about the Constitution and what is Constitutional so let’s take a few weeks and look at the foundational letters written by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay arguing for the creation of the US Constitution. The comment tab is open. Please share your …
Continue reading “FEDERALIST No. 83: The Judiciary in Relation to Trial by Jury”
Historical Tidbits
When reenacting or acting as a historical interpreter, its good to have a few historical dates and stories to share. This series will publish a few. December 23, 1783 Washington resigns as Commander in Chief “Having now finished the work assigned to me, I retire from the great theatre of action; and bidding an affectionate …
Rules of the House
This year, I posted a set of sayings and rules in our field pub and many have asked for copies of these witticisms. Well, I’m not going to print them but here they are for your entertainment. If you have to ask if it’s too early to have a beer, you are clearly an amateur …
Antifederalist No. 82 — The Power of the Judiciary. (Part 4)
Part 1: Part 2 of “Brutus” 14th essay (from the March 6, 1788, New-York Journal). Part 2: The final segment of the 15th essay (March 20, 1788 New York Journal). It may still be insisted that this clause [on appellate jurisdiction] does not take away the trial by jury on appals, but that this may …
Continue reading “Antifederalist No. 82 — The Power of the Judiciary. (Part 4)”
How Cartridge Paper almost killed King George
In order to facilitate rapid loading during battle, 18th Century musket cartridges were made from rolled brownish-white paper. This paper tube held both the powder and the ball was its own self contained wadding. For training, reviews and firing a “feu de joie” or celebratory musket salute, however, blank rounds were needed. Numerous accidents were reported …
Continue reading “How Cartridge Paper almost killed King George”
FEDERALIST No. 82: The Judiciary
We are on the eve of a very important election. Much has been said about the Constitution and what is Constitutional so let’s take a few weeks and look at the foundational letters written by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay arguing for the creation of the US Constitution. The comment tab is open. Please share your …
Antifederalist No. 81 — The Power of the Judiciary. (Part 3)
Part 1: from the 12th essay by “Brutus” from the February 7th & 14th (1788) issues of The New-York Journal. Part 2: Taken from the first half of the 14th essay February 28, 1788. In my last, I showed, that the judicial power of the United States under the first clause of the second section of …
Continue reading “Antifederalist No. 81 — The Power of the Judiciary. (Part 3)”
Cast Iron Chef at Fort Mifflin
Want an opportunity to quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger for an immersive history experience this winter. Come to Fort Mifflin for a taste of life in early 19th century Philadelphia! Join the Regimental Brewmeister and our team of hearth cooks for a unique hands-on experience in early 19th century foodways. Take up an …
Michael Carver -- Historical Interpreter/Reenactor 